Avdija questionable for opener, Dybantsa out for debut

Blazers weigh three-guard lineup vs Suns

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 53m1 min read

What happened: Portland lists Deni Avdija as questionable with an ankle injury ahead of Wednesday against Phoenix. AJ Dybantsa is out for the opener, delaying his debut.

Why it matters: Portland lacks proven wing depth behind Avdija and Toumani Camara, opening an undersized look with Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday. Dennis Schroder and Grayson Allen project as opening-night starters elsewhere and sit rostered in fewer than 20 percent of Yahoo leagues.

By the numbers: Jalen Smith projects for at least six starts, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka probable for backup center minutes. Neemias Queta played 22 minutes with 18 for the starter and 8 for Luka Garza in the Boston rotation opener.

What to watch: Wednesday lineups settle Avdija's availability, with Vit Krejci and Sidy Cissoko as alternate starting options.

Sources

Yahoo NBA 2026-10-21T16:37:31.740865+00:00

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NBAInjuryPortland Trail BlazersPhoenix SunsChicago BullsDeni AvdijaAJ Dybantsa

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